A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Bowlby's theory of attachment emphasizes that children are biologically pre-programmed to form attachments as a crucial element for survival. He proposed that these early bonds, particularly with a primary caregiver, are not just emotional connections but are part of an innate system that has evolved to ensure the safety and security of the child. This attachment behavior helps ensure that infants stay close to their caregivers, who provide protection from threats and promote the child's chances of survival.

Bowlby identified that these attachment behaviors can be seen in distress when the child is separated from the caregiver, and they serve a key functional purpose in fostering a secure base from which the child can explore their environment. This biological perspective is supported by observations of attachment behaviors across different cultures, hinting at its evolutionary underpinnings.

In contrast, the other options suggest different influences or processes for attachment formation. Peers do not play a primary role in establishing attachment during the critical early years of development; rather, it is the caregiver-child relationship that is most influential. Although observation can inform attachment behaviors, Bowlby argued that the propensity to form such bonds is innate rather than solely learned. Finally, the concept of delaying attachment runs counter to Bowlby's beliefs about the necessity and urgency of forming secure attachments in early